Assault Occasioning Bodily Harm

A more serious form of assault is one whereby the assault causes a victim to suffer bodily harm. Bodily harm is a very broad term, and includes injuries as minor as scratches or bruising up to more serious injuries, provided the injuries sustained do not lead to death, permanent injury, or physical disfigurement, such as a broken limb not requiring medical treatment.

Given the injuries sustained by the victim are more serious than a charge of common assault, the maximum penalties imposed by the Courts are higher. Charges of this nature can also be committed where a circumstance of aggravation is alleged, such as when a weapon is used, or when the offence is committed in the company of one or more other people. A circumstance of aggravation further increases the maximum penalty that can be imposed on a person charged with this offence.